overpopulation — the condition of having a population so dense as to cause environmental deterioration, an impaired quality of life, or a population crash
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the condition of having a population so dense as to cause environmental deterioration, an impaired quality of life, or a population crash
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌoʊvərˌpɑːpjəˈleɪʃn/
Example Sentences
- The rabbit population in Australia is a classic example of overpopulation gone wild.
- My Instagram followers think overpopulation isn't real until they try to get a table at a trendy restaurant.
- Scientists warn that overpopulation could lead to severe food shortages by 2050.
overpopulation
NOUN[/ˌoʊvərˌpɑːpjəˈleɪʃn/]
the condition of having a population so dense as to cause environmental deterioration, an impaired quality of life, or a population crash
Overpopulation crams the subway platform until commuters spill onto the tracks.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Overpopulation is a compound word formed from the prefix 'over' (meaning excessively) and 'population' (from Latin populatio). The term emerged in the 19th century following the Industrial Revolution, when rapid population growth became a pressing social concern.
Breakdown
over- (excessively) + popul- (Latin populusm, people) + -ation (state or condition), forming a noun describing the condition of excessive population relative to available resources.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The rabbit population in Australia is a classic example of overpopulation gone wild.”
“My Instagram followers think overpopulation isn't real until they try to get a table at a trendy restaurant.”
“Scientists warn that overpopulation could lead to severe food shortages by 2050.”
“The overpopulation of selfie-takers at tourist spots is becoming a serious photography hazard.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.